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10 Nov

Posted at 19:08h in Community News, Featured Story
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The Community Foundation of Grant County is pleased to recognize six local high school seniors as Grant County finalists for the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Two of the finalists will be selected as 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. The two scholars will each receive a full-tuition scholarship to pursue a baccalaureate degree at any accredited public or private Indiana college or university and an annual book and equipment stipend. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has provided approximately $6 million in tuition and book stipends to benefit 54 Grant County students since 1998. “These six remarkable students represent the very best of Grant County. Their drive, compassion, and commitment to excellence give us every confidence that the future is bright. Being named a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalist is an extraordinary achievement, and we are honored to support them as they take the next step in their educational journeys,” said Dawn Brown, President/CEO of the Community Foundation. “These six seniors have shown what it looks like to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and dream big for their future. We couldn’t be prouder and hope everyone reading this will join us in celebrating their remarkable accomplishments.”  The finalists and respective schools...

06 Nov

Posted at 22:29h in Community News, Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
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The Community Foundation of Grant County awarded $100,000 in proactive grants—$25,000 each—to four local organizations on the frontlines of fighting hunger in our community:  - Martin Community Center - Grant County Rescue Mission - The Salvation Army of Marion - Meals on Wheels of Grant County These grants come at a critical time for families and individuals across the county. Although federal officials have announced that SNAP benefits will resume this month, they will do so at a reduced rate, and payments are expected to be delayed. Additionally, the ongoing federal government shutdown means some residents are not receiving income as usual, leaving many households uncertain about when or how they will be able to put food on the table. Recognizing this urgent need, the Community Foundation took swift, proactive action to help sustain local food programs and ensure that no one in Grant County goes hungry. “When we heard that some of our neighbors might experience disruptions in accessing food, we wanted to help our direct service providers locally,” said Dawn Brown, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Grant County. “Together, we can make sure every family has something to eat by supporting these amazing nonprofit organizations who serve Grant County families daily.”   Each of the four...

06 Nov

Posted at 17:48h in Community News, Featured Story
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Community Foundation of Grant County’s $7.5 Million Investment Driving Economic Vitality in Marion’s Downtown Riverfront District Renovations to Begin Soon; Estimated Completion Date Set for August 2026 Grant County, IN —A $7.5 million restoration and expansion project in the heart of Marion’s Riverfront District is set to begin this month as the Community Foundation of Grant County transforms a once vacant, historic building into a thriving, vibrant workspace for several nonprofit organizations. Located at 100 South Washington Street, the shared space builds on the Foundation’s vision of creating a collaborative environment that fosters cooperation, efficiency, and impact among the organizations serving Grant County. The Foundation Board of Directors and Team initiated an innovative idea more than a year ago, inviting local nonprofits to collaborate on bringing to life the vision of a shared space for visionaries and innovators to face challenges and create solutions together. The Foundation purchased the building in October 2024 and is the sole owner of the property. “This investment is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about building capacity for the organizations that drive Grant County forward,” said Mark Atkinson, Board Chair of the Community Foundation of Grant County. “Our board is proud to play a part in restoring an...

05 Nov

Posted at 16:51h in Community News, Featured Story
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Grant County, IN — The Community Foundation of Grant County is pleased to recognize six local high school seniors as Grant County finalists for the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Two of the finalists will be selected as 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. The two scholars will each receive a full-tuition scholarship to pursue a baccalaureate degree at any accredited public or private Indiana college or university and an annual book and equipment stipend. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has provided approximately $6 million in tuition and book stipends to benefit 54 Grant County students since 1998. “These six remarkable students represent the very best of Grant County. Their drive, compassion, and commitment to excellence give us every confidence that the future is bright. Being named a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalist is an extraordinary achievement, and we are honored to support them as they take the next step in their educational journeys,” said Dawn Brown, President/CEO of the Community Foundation. “These six seniors have shown what it looks like to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and dream big for their future. We couldn’t be prouder and hope everyone reading this will join us in celebrating their remarkable accomplishments.”  The...

16 Aug

Posted at 16:09h in Community News
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Grant County, IN — The partners at Collabora are committed to honoring and enhancing the role of public art in our community. As part of our renovation and revitalization of the Collabora building, we are carefully reviewing the full range of options for the murals currently on the property. Because we want to ensure that all decisions are made with the benefit of a thorough review, we are taking additional time to consider the possibilities before a final decision is made. To that end, the Foundation is shifting this important conversation back to the six Collabora partners, who will work together to determine a path forward. We are confident that, through collaboration, they will identify an artistic solution that both highlights public art and continues to tell the many stories that make Grant County unique. Collabora remains committed to fostering a space where creativity, community, and collaboration thrive—and where the arts are celebrated as a vibrant part of our shared future. About Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana, Inc. The Community Foundation of Grant County is an advocate for local philanthropy and is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Grant County area. An effective steward of the community’s charitable resources...

04 Aug

Posted at 12:25h in Community News, Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
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[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Grant County, IN — The Community Foundation of Grant County is proud to announce the official launch of Vireo, a Career to Cradle initiative with five Collaborative Action Networks (CANs). This is a bold, countywide initiative that brings together cross-sector partners to tackle the root causes of child poverty and drive sustainable change starting from Employment and working down the network to Kindergarten Readiness. “Each of these networks represents the power of collaboration,” said Dawn Brown, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Grant County, “bringing together passionate local leaders and organizations committed to improving outcomes for every child in Grant County.” These Collaborative Action Networks are the pillars of a community-powered effort known as Vireo, focused on transforming systems through data-informed strategy, community engagement, and long-term collaboration. Five networks have been awarded funding and are now taking flight: Employment CAN - Led by Greater Grant County Recognizing the vital connection between stable employment and community well-being, this CAN seeks to build a stronger pipeline from education to employment. By fostering relationships between schools and local employers, the network will expand work-based learning opportunities, equip students with real-world career readiness, and align local talent with the evolving...

22 Jul

Posted at 15:55h in Community News, Featured Story
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes permanent several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and introduces new regulations that may affect your charitable giving. While the law brings more certainty to tax and estate planning, it also may create new hurdles that could influence how and when you choose to give to the Community Foundation and the other charities you care about. Some of these changes offer new opportunities for giving. Others may create challenges depending on your income and how you make your gifts. Understanding the impact can help you make the most of your giving in the years ahead. Tax and Estate Planning Changes to Note Several key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) were scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The OBBBA made them permanent, giving you more clarity for long-term planning: • The estate and gift tax exemption rises to $15 million per person ($30 million per married couple) in 2026. • The standard deduction increases to $15,750 (single filers) and $31,500 (married couples filing jointly) in 2025. • The top income tax rate remains at 37% (rather than reverting to 39.6%). These...

02 Apr

Posted at 18:12h in Community News, Grantmaking Impact
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Grant County, Ind. — The Community Foundation of Grant County and WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation) have announced a new grant opportunity focused on creating more inclusive communities for individuals with disabilities. Through this collaboration, the WindSwell Foundation Accessible Communities Fund was established at the Community Foundation, supporting a new WindSwell Inclusive Communities Grant Cycle. This initiative is designed to empower nonprofits to better serve individuals by funding projects that promote accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement. Examples of eligible projects include sensory-friendly spaces, adaptive toys and equipment, entryway ramps, accessible vehicles, fencing for children with autism, universal restrooms, or inclusive playground upgrades. "We're thrilled about this opportunity with the WindSwell Foundation, as it will broaden our grantmaking capacity and bolster programs that advance inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities in Grant County," said Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. Beginning May 1, 2025, local nonprofits can apply for grants between $2,500 and $10,000 to support inclusive programs and projects that align with WindSwell Foundation’s Guiding Principles, which emphasize: Self-determination – Individuals with Disabilities deserve a choice driven life (self-determination). Preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations are best defined by the individual rather than for the individual. Inclusion over segregation – Inclusion and...

05 Mar

Posted at 16:27h in Community News
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[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]The CLIMB is a 3-day leadership program designed to empower individuals to take bold, transformative actions within their communities. The course equips Climbers with knowledge in Board Leadership, Civic Leadership, and Personal Leadership. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_separator type="normal"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=""] 2025 Cohort: [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Alyssa Sigler Andrew Heald Ashley Shirley Brittany Howey Chuck Binkerd [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Courtney Middlesworth David Hunt Dawn Brown Emma Pearson Emma Reagan [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Evan Gilmore Evan King Haley Anderson Hannah Gavorski Kayla Johnson [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Kyle Knight Kylie Jackson LeeAnna Smith Libby Root Lindsey DeWitt [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Lynn Nguyen Matt Wilson Meagan Mathias Misty Fox Nate McNeely [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Sarah Worl Shelly Jones Sia M’Bayo Steve Gibson Tammy Pearson [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_separator type="normal"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=""] Leadership Core Competencies: [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""] Board Leadership: - Core Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards - Effective Staff and Board Roles - Building a Thriving Board - Setting Vision and Strategy - Fundraising Essentials for Board Members - Activating Board Committees[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""] Civic Leadership: - Choose a life of purpose at the local level - Study an issue and set goals for the greater good - Build a Talented Team - Grow and Thrive in an Ecosystem - Engage Audiences and Share your Success - Empower, Evolve, and Envision[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""] Personal Leadership: - Self Leadership - Building a Culture of Trust & Transparency -...

18 Dec

Posted at 13:50h in Community News
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The Community Foundation of Grant County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Grant County - Samuel Gonzalez and Nadira Balasundaram, both of Mississinewa High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Samuel and Nadira stood out not only for their impressive academic achievements but also for their dedication to serving their community and demonstrating leadership in meaningful ways," said Dawn Brown, CEO at the Community Foundation. "Their commitment to making a positive impact exemplifies the qualities we seek in a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, and we are proud to support their bright futures.” Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program...